RAT RACE ARRIVES ON THE EMERALD ISLE

The Rat Race reaches Ireland. The much-loved event, having experienced runaway success in Britain, is now set to reach the shores of the Emerald Isle with 2 new and exciting events planned for Galway and Belfast this summer.

Coming to Belfast for the first time and operating from an event base at City Hall on 09th August, the Rat Race sees competitors running, biking, kayaking, abseiling, climbing and navigating their way around the city in a course that is only revealed hours before they begin. Previous events have taken place in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh and 2008 sees the inaugural Belfast race lay solid foundations to become an annual event in the city. Although the course is kept a closely guarded secret until the eve of the event, the local Rat Race planners, led by AR legend Brian Elliott, have been hard at work finding the very best the city has to offer for this unique challenge.

Rat Race Creator Jim Mee gives us a preview: “Belfast offers a really eclectic mix of adventure opportunities for the Rat Race. From the obvious natural facets such as Cave Hill and the river, to more overtly urban features such as the re-generated city centre and the wealth of landmarks scattered around the city, the Rat Race in Belfast will reveal so many different layers of adventure within the city in a manner never really experienced before. Whether it’s zipping around the Cathedral Quarter on a bike or getting to grips with some aquatic pursuits, or simply revelling in the hustle and bustle of the city whilst hunting for quirky checkpoints we have set up with local venues and businesses, this event is really going to entertain. We aim to showcase Belfast’s industrial past alongside the fast-paced urban development of the present day and this quirky event gives us the opportunity to really shine a different sort of light on the city, to residents and visitors alike. We think there is a superb mixture of sights and sounds on and off the beaten track that we can feature in the event. This is an exciting event to plan, which means it will be even more exciting to take part in!”

Next up itÂ’s Galway and the Rat Race is in the Home of the Tribes on 6th September. With the success of the Gael Force West multi-sport races in Mayo and Galway, the Rat Race organisers know this area well and with their office just up the road in Westport, this event is sure to uncover the very best of this superb fun-loving city. Galway is well-known as a literary city, a musical city, a student city and a sea-faring city. All these facets will be brought to the fore in an event that will unleash a true adventure in town. Sandwiched as it is between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib, there is every chance you will get wet at this one! Expect the unexpected as a team of Rat Race old hands and a selection of young and enthusiastic local planners liberate the adventure in Galway city for the first truly international event in the Rat RaceÂ’s calendar. And on that note, there is more to follow in MayÂ…

Entry for the Belfast Rat Race is offered at a rate of £69 per person and the Galway event is offered at 99 euros per person. Both events will operate on the Rat Race’s new 1 day “Nine 2 Five” format.  All competitors receive a race technical shirt, souvenirs and Rat Race merchandise and all equipment is provided, however competitors must have a bicycle. Full entry details, training tips and full event information can be found at ratraceadventure.com or telephone the Rat Race Ireland office on 098 28324/ 098 28316. Email Siobhan at the Rat Race Westport office at info@ratraceadventure.com for particular questions on either of these new and exciting events.

Coming to Belfast for the first time and operating from an event base at City Hall on 09th August, the Rat Race sees competitors running, biking, kayaking, abseiling, climbing and navigating their way around the city in a course that is only revealed hours before they begin. Previous events have taken place in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh and 2008 sees the inaugural Belfast race lay solid foundations to become an annual event in the city. Although the course is kept a closely guarded secret until the eve of the event, the local Rat Race planners, led by AR legend Brian Elliott, have been hard at work finding the very best the city has to offer for this unique challenge.

Rat Race Creator Jim Mee gives us a preview: “Belfast offers a really eclectic mix of adventure opportunities for the Rat Race. From the obvious natural facets such as Cave Hill and the river, to more overtly urban features such as the re-generated city centre and the wealth of landmarks scattered around the city, the Rat Race in Belfast will reveal so many different layers of adventure within the city in a manner never really experienced before. Whether it’s zipping around the Cathedral Quarter on a bike or getting to grips with some aquatic pursuits, or simply revelling in the hustle and bustle of the city whilst hunting for quirky checkpoints we have set up with local venues and businesses, this event is really going to entertain. We aim to showcase Belfast’s industrial past alongside the fast-paced urban development of the present day and this quirky event gives us the opportunity to really shine a different sort of light on the city, to residents and visitors alike. We think there is a superb mixture of sights and sounds on and off the beaten track that we can feature in the event. This is an exciting event to plan, which means it will be even more exciting to take part in!”

Next up itÂ’s Galway and the Rat Race is in the Home of the Tribes on 6th September. With the success of the Gael Force West multi-sport races in Mayo and Galway, the Rat Race organisers know this area well and with their office just up the road in Westport, this event is sure to uncover the very best of this superb fun-loving city. Galway is well-known as a literary city, a musical city, a student city and a sea-faring city. All these facets will be brought to the fore in an event that will unleash a true adventure in town. Sandwiched as it is between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib, there is every chance you will get wet at this one! Expect the unexpected as a team of Rat Race old hands and a selection of young and enthusiastic local planners liberate the adventure in Galway city for the first truly international event in the Rat RaceÂ’s calendar. And on that note, there is more to follow in MayÂ…

Entry for the Belfast Rat Race is offered at a rate of £69 per person and the Galway event is offered at 99 euros per person. Both events will operate on the Rat Race’s new 1 day “Nine 2 Five” format.  All competitors receive a race technical shirt, souvenirs and Rat Race merchandise and all equipment is provided, however competitors must have a bicycle. Full entry details, training tips and full event information can be found at ratraceadventure.com or telephone the Rat Race Ireland office on 098 28324/ 098 28316. Email Siobhan at the Rat Race Westport office at info@ratraceadventure.com for particular questions on either of these new and exciting events.